Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic and Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Completed

• Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Registration Number: NCT01361503
• Lead Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Brief Summary

The primary objective of this study is to conduct magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) and imaging (MRI) scans to assess the structural and neurochemical profile of the brain in 20 children and adolescents, 6-17 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For comparison, MRS and MRI will also be obtained from 10 healthy control subjects, matched to the 20 subjects with ASD in age, sex, dexterity, and IQ. All eligible subjects will be administered a detailed assessment battery consisting of cognitive assessments (neuropsychological battery including subsets of the DANVA2 and the CANTAB) and measures of psychosocial functioning (SAICA and M-FES). The study includes 1-3 visits for the screening period at Massachusetts General Hospital (approximately 4 hours of assessments) and one scanning visit at McLean Hospital (approximately 1.5 hours).

The investigators hypothesize that youth with ASD versus controls will exhibit increased glutamate concentrations, reflecting glutamatergic overactivity, and increased Cho concentrations, suggesting neuronal abnormality. Furthermore, the investigators hypothesize that compared to neurotypical controls, the structural integrity of white mater tracts will be disrupted in ASD.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2010-04
• Study First Submitted: 2010-11-19
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-05-25
• Study First Posted: 2011-05-26
• Primary Completion: 2014-09
• Study Completion: 2014-09
• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-12-10
• Last Update Posted: 2024-12-13

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 20

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Structural and neurochemical profiles of adolescents with ASD	scanning visit (1.5 hours)	Concentrations of various neurochemicals, including glutamate, will be examined in addition to the structural integrity of white matter tracts. These results will be compared to results from control subjects.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Massachusetts General Hospital; 🇺🇸 Boston, Massachusetts, United States

McLean Hospital; 🇺🇸 Belmont, Massachusetts, United States